Two minors allegedly caught purchasing cigarettes, tobacco products worth ₹60,000 seized
Hyderabad: Telangana EAGLE Force has cracked down on the alleged illegal sale of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors at a pan shop in Old Bowenpally, Secunderabad.
The action followed a complaint received through the EAGLE Force toll free system regarding the sale of tobacco products to children at pan shops near Nimra Cafe, Gowri Nagar, opposite New Grammar School.
According to the EAGLE Force, the complaint was verified through sustained surveillance. The enforcement team reportedly made 22 visits to the location before catching the alleged violation.
On the evening of August 30, 2026, the team allegedly caught two minors, aged 14 and 17, purchasing cigarettes from the area. The incident was recorded on video as evidence, according to officials.
Following the verification, the EAGLE Force, in coordination with Bowenpally Police of Malkajgiri Commissionerate, conducted a raid on Limra Pan Mahal.
During the raid, police arrested the pan shop owner and a worker and seized cigarettes and tobacco products belonging to around 10 brands, with a total estimated value of ₹60,000, the press note stated.
The accused were identified as Md. Yusuf Uddin Goury, 65, a pan shop owner, and Md. Rehan Ali, 19, a pan shop worker. Both are residents of Old Bowenpally, according to the press note.
The accused and seized material were handed over to Bowenpally Police for further legal action. A case has been registered under Section 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The EAGLE Force said the operation demonstrates the importance of citizen complaints, sustained surveillance and coordination between enforcement agencies in preventing children from accessing tobacco products.
Authorities have appealed to shop owners and tobacco vendors to strictly follow the law and refrain from selling cigarettes or tobacco products to minors. Parents, teachers and members of the public have also been urged to remain vigilant and report violations to the concerned authorities.
The EAGLE Force reiterated that strict action would be taken against establishments and individuals found selling tobacco products to children.
EAGLE Force Telangana helpline: 1908
WhatsApp: 87126 71111
